The Early Case for Stabilization and Sustainability of Korean G-SEED Based on Collaborative Governance: A Theoretical Review

Abstract

This article aims to identify the significance of collaborative governance in the initial stage of the system for stabilization and sustainability through a case study of the introduction of the Green Standard for Energy and Environmental Design (G-SEED) certification system. To this end, the collaborative governance model was examined, and how the initial drivers and collaborative dynamics contributed to the stabilization and sustainability of the G-SEED certification system were investigated. Based on a theoretical literature review, a descriptive case study was conducted by applying the Integrated Framework of Collaborative Governance framework to address how multi-stakeholder collaboration works in G-SEED. The results of this study demonstrate that the drivers and collaborative dynamics in the early G-SEED contributed to a major revision of green building certification regulations and standards as outcomes of collaborative actions and to a continued increase in the number of certifications. This article argues that the stabilization and sustainability of the certification system depend on how multiple stakeholders collaborate and establish collaborative governance in the early stage of system introduction. It suggests that in the case of G-SEED, it is necessary to consider the implications derived from the results based on collaboration among sectors to achieve qualitative growth rather than quantitative expansion.